Chapter 20 - Allow me to impress you (2/2)
In front of the mall as they were driving by, Sarah noticed food stalls selling Asian food, ”How about Asian food for lunch?”
Aiden agreed while parking in the underground parking of the mall.
She led him outside and pointed out at the food stalls.
”I was hoping for something indoors”, Aiden frowned, obviously not pleased with her choice.
”Nothing is better than street food!” Sarah was cheerful, ”Come on!” She tugged his sleeve and headed towards the stalls. ”What will you have?”
”Hmm, you pick”, Aiden responded apprehensively.
”OK”, she was excited. Sarah picked few grilled meat skewers, dumplings and steam buns. They took a seat at a small table in front of the mall. It was a cold December day, but the feel of street food made Sarah warm.
Aiden looked at the food suspiciously examining it.
”Don't tell me this is your first-time eating street food”, Sarah was in disbelief.
He nodded. They had a cook in their home, and since young age he was used to eating well balanced meals. Even during studies and travels, Aiden never cared for street or fast food.
”Oh, you are deprived”, she laughed. ”Here, try some, it's good”, she handed him a meat skewer.
He took the skewer in his hand and observed it.
”You will not know until you try”, Sarah said, and with her hand gently guided meat skewer from his hand toward his lips.
He took a bite. After few seconds he said, ”hmm, not bad”.
”Try these also”, Sarah pushed dumplings and steamed buns closer towards him. ”I will be right back!” Sarah went back to the food stalls and in a minute came back carrying two steaming cups of herbal tea. ”We are just missing this”, she put cups of tea on the table.
”You seem familiar with street food.”
”I guess so. I travel with my mom often, and I get a chance to try all kinds of food. I find that street food has a charm of its own”, she said with a faint smile on her face and misty eyes, like she is remembering something pleasant.
After they finished, Sarah asked, ”Was it good?”
”Yes”, he nodded.
”I'm glad you liked it.”, she laughed. ”Let's go inside.”
...
The mall covers a large area, 5 stories high, filled with shops and restaurants. There is also a movie theater, play areas and arcades. Sarah checked store directory to see where to go next. ”Do you want to get something?”, she asked him.
He shrugged, ”Nothing specific. I will accompany you, and I might find something I like”.
”You finished Christmas shopping?”, she asked.
”I don't do Christmas shopping.”
Sarah was surprised, ”Oh, OK. I will not judge you for the offense of missing on getting mostly-useless things to others.”
”If it's useless, why are you doing it?”, he asked seriously.
She thought for a minute before answering, ”For the experience of figuring out what other person would like, and anticipation if they will like it. And at the end it does not matter if I get it right, what matters is the message sent by the gift itself: I'm thinking about you and I hope that makes you happy.”
He thought about what she said, and then nodded.
”Let's go here first”, she pointed at a nearby clothing store.
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